EGFR

Definition

EGFR, or Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor, is a cell surface receptor that, when activated by its ligands, triggers a cascade of signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. This receptor plays a crucial role in normal cellular processes, but when mutated or overexpressed, it is often implicated in various cancers, making it a key focus in cancer research and targeted therapies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. EGFR is part of the ErbB family of receptors and functions as a tyrosine kinase, meaning it can phosphorylate tyrosine residues on target proteins to propagate signals within the cell.
2. Mutations in the EGFR gene are frequently found in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and are associated with increased tumor growth and resistance to certain therapies.
3. Inhibition of EGFR activity can be achieved using monoclonal antibodies or small molecule inhibitors, leading to reduced tumor cell proliferation and increased apoptosis.
4. The expression levels of EGFR are often correlated with tumor grade and stage in several cancers, making it a valuable prognostic marker.
5. EGFR signaling is not only important for cancer progression but also plays a role in wound healing and tissue repair processes.

Review Questions

• How does the activation of EGFR influence cellular processes, and what implications does this have for cancer development?
  • When EGFR is activated by its ligands, it initiates several intracellular signaling cascades that promote cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. This uncontrolled activation can lead to excessive cell growth and division, contributing to tumorigenesis. In many cancers, mutations or overexpression of EGFR disrupt normal regulatory mechanisms, allowing cancer cells to thrive inappropriately.
• Discuss the role of EGFR mutations in non-small cell lung cancer and how they affect treatment options.
  • EGFR mutations are common in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and often result in constitutive activation of the receptor, leading to enhanced cell survival and proliferation. These mutations can influence treatment decisions since targeted therapies like tyrosine kinase inhibitors are specifically effective against tumors harboring these mutations. Understanding the mutation status of EGFR allows clinicians to personalize treatment strategies for better patient outcomes.
• Evaluate the significance of targeted therapies that inhibit EGFR in modern oncology and their potential future developments.
  • Targeted therapies that inhibit EGFR have transformed the treatment landscape for cancers such as NSCLC by offering more effective options with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy. The ability to tailor treatments based on genetic profiling has improved patient outcomes significantly. Future developments may include combining EGFR inhibitors with other treatments to overcome resistance mechanisms or exploring new targets within the EGFR signaling pathway to further enhance therapeutic efficacy.

Related terms

Ligand: A molecule that binds to a receptor to initiate a cellular response; in the case of EGFR, ligands include epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-α).

Signal Transduction: The process by which a chemical or physical signal is transmitted through a cell as a series of molecular events, typically involving the activation of proteins and the generation of secondary messengers.

Targeted Therapy: A type of cancer treatment that uses drugs or other substances to precisely identify and attack cancer cells, often focusing on specific molecular targets like EGFR.